USDA announces REAP funding for bioenergy projects

On Sept. 18, the USDA announced it is investing $68 million in 540 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects under the Rural Energy for America Program. Bioenergy projects were among those selected to receive funding.

"These loan guarantees and grants will have far-reaching impacts nationwide, particularly in the rural communities where these projects are located," said Agricultural Secretary Tom Vilsack. "Investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency will continue the unprecedented increase in home-grown energy sources and American energy independence we've seen in recent years. This is creating jobs, providing new economic opportunities and leading the way to a more secure energy future."

REAP was created by the 2008 Farm Bill and reauthorized in the 2014 Farm Bill. Under the program, eligible agricultural producers and rural small businesses can REAP funds to make energy efficiency improvements or install renewable energy systems, including renewable biomass, anaerobic digestion, solar, wind, small hydroelectric, ocean energy, hydrogen, and geothermal. Since the start of the Obama administration, REAP has supported more than 8,800 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. During this period, the USDA has provided more than $276 million in grants and $268 million in loan guarantees to agriculture producers and rural small business owners.